: of, relating to, or being muscle fiber that contracts quickly especially during brief high-intensity physical activity requiring strength compare slow-twitch

Examples of fast-twitch in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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This muscle type is also more efficient than fast-twitch, which are generally higher in men’s muscles. The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 June 2025 At a certain point, Crow-Armstrong’s instincts and fast-twitch reflexes take over. Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 15 June 2025 On the other hand, type 2 muscle fibers (a.k.a, fast-twitch) power anaerobic work, or that which taps into strength and power—yes, like lifting—which can’t be sustained for a long time, Dr. Aguillard explains. Danielle Zickl, SELF, 11 June 2025 Some people may have a higher proportion of fast-twitch muscle fibers with greater growth potential. Alyssa Hui-Anderson, Verywell Health, 16 May 2025 For examples, men tend to have more muscle mass, a larger store of fast-twitch muscle fibers, and a higher VO2 max, or the maximum rate of oxygen intake. Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 27 Apr. 2025 During intense exercise, the pH in your fast-twitch muscle fibers (which seem to be particularly susceptible to hydrogen ion buildup) can drop from around 7.0 to 6.0. Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 24 Apr. 2025 It is largely driven by the loss of fast-twitch muscle fibers—responsible for explosive movements—and declines in reactivity, or the ability to respond quickly to a threat, such as a misstep on uneven ground. Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025 In addition, explosive exercises like sprinting and skipping help retain fast-twitch muscle fibers, crucial for power and reaction time. Jesse Pines, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fast-twitch was in 1958

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Cite this Entry

“Fast-twitch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fast-twitch. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

Medical Definition

fast-twitch

adjective
: of, relating to, or being muscle fiber that contracts quickly especially during brief high-intensity physical activity requiring strength compare slow-twitch
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